Bonding apparatus, bonding method and the composition bonded thereby

ABSTRACT

To provide a method for bonding a second member with a fixed shape (e.g. crystal glass) to a first member with a flexible and flat configuration (e.g. cloth, leather, and the like) with a hot-melt adhesive in a short process so as to have a high peel resistance and a beautiful appearance, a bonding apparatus and a composition bonded thereby. The bonding method of the present invention comprises the steps of placing a second member with a fixed shape on a first member with a flexible and flat configuration with a hot-melt adhesive being sandwiched therebetween, heating at least the second member up to a temperature equal to or greater than a melting point of the hot-melt adhesive, and cooling the first member and the second member while pressing the second member so as to contact the first member closely.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for bonding a secondmember with a fixed shape to a first member with a flexible and flatconfiguration with a hot-melt adhesive, a bonding apparatus and acomposition bonded by the method.

[0002] Cloth, leather and the like are widely used as furnishing such asclothes, bag, hat, gloves, shoes, and the like; furniture (curtain,tablecloth, outer material for sofa, table and chair, stationary pad,book cover, and the like) ; interior equipments of vehicle (outermaterial of seat, inner surface of door, and the like) and the like.

[0003] These goods follow a fashion. Goods with new design or excellentdesign have high commercial value.

[0004] For example, clothes manufacturers have decorated clothes withsmall-sized crystal glasses, precious stones and the like, therebyenhancing commercial value of goods and providing consumers with newdesign.

[0005] When a small-sized crystal glass with a fixed shape or the likeis attached to cloth with a flexible and flat configuration or the like,it is required to make the attachment structure invisible from outsideand prevent fabric around the attachment part from suffering any damage,as well as to make the adhesive strength strong enough.

[0006] Generally, the cloth and the like with crystal glasses orprecious stones are often used for expensive goods. For that reason,quality standards as to the invisibleness of the attachment structure,the absence of undesired trace on cloth, and so on are very high.

[0007] One of the methods for attaching a second member with a fixedshape (e.g. small crystal glass) to a first member with a flexible andflat configuration (e.g. cloth) so as to make the attachment structureinvisible from outside is to bond the second member to the first memberwith a hot-melt adhesive.

[0008] Although the size of the crystal glass, precious stone, or thelike to be bonded to a cloth or the like is optional, it is usuallysmaller than 10 mm cube, more typically 5 mm cube (e.g. crystal glasswith a diameter of about 1 to 3 mm).

[0009]FIG. 3 shows a conventional bonding method for bonding a secondmember to a cloth as a first member with the hot-melt adhesive (priorart 1).

[0010] The bonding method in the prior art 1 will be describedhereinafter.

[0011] The prior art 1 embodies a method for bonding a small-sizedcrystal glasses 11 (the same one as in the second member) to a cloth 13(the same one as in the first member) with the hot-melt adhesive 12.

[0012]FIG. 3(a) shows a first step of the bonding method in the priorart 1.

[0013] In FIG. 3(a), the crystal glass 11 is affixed at a predeterminedposition (in accordance with design) on the adhesive side of an adhesivesheet 110 to which an adhesive is applied. A top surface of the crystalglass 11 is fixed to the adhesive sheet 110. The adhesive sheet 110 isused for locating the crystal glass 11 in place during manufacturingphase (bonding phase).

[0014] The cloth 13 is spread evenly on a table 14 and the crystal glass11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet 110) with the hot-melt adhesive 12pasted on its bottom is placed on a predetermined position (inaccordance with design) (placing step). At the placing step carried outat normal temperature, the hot-melt adhesive 12 is in a solid state.

[0015] Next, the operation goes to a step shown in FIG. 3(b). At thestep of FIG. 3(b), in a chamber 33 having internal heating temperatureof 180° C., the cloth 13 spread evenly on a bed 32 and the crystal glass11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet 110) are pressed to each other by apress device (including a slide 31 and the bed 32) for 15 to 45 seconds(heating step). At the heating step of FIG. 3(b), the press applied tothe cloth 13 and the crystal glass 11 by the slide 31 is 2 kgf/cm² (34is pressing direction).

[0016] The melting point of the hot-melt adhesive used in this prior artis 130° C.

[0017] At the heating step of FIG. 3(b), the hot-melt adhesive 12 heatedup to 180° C. melts at the position between the crystal glass 11 and thecloth 13.

[0018] Next, the operation goes to a step shown in FIG. 3(c). At thestep of FIG. 3(c), the crystal glass 11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet110) and the cloth 13 which sandwich the hot-melt adhesive 12therebetween are spread on a table 35 so as to be cooled down bythemselves at normal temperatures (cooling step).

[0019] As a result, the hot-melt adhesive 12 becomes hardened, therebyfixing the crystal glass 11 to the cloth 13.

[0020] After hardening of the hot-melt adhesive 12, the adhesive sheet110 is removed.

[0021]FIG. 4 shows a conventional bonding method for bonding a secondmember (e.g. crystal glass) to cloth as a first member with a hot-meltadhesive (prior art 2).

[0022] Leather used as material for clothes, handbag, shoes, and thelike is provided with a waterproof layer on its surface in order toobtain waterproof property. The waterproof layer is thin and weak intensile strength.

[0023] Even if the small-sized crystal glass as the second member isfixed to the waterproof layer of the leather with the hot-melt adhesive,the waterproof layer bonded to the second member is easily peeled offtherefrom with a small impact to the second member. For that reason, ithas been conventionally believed impossible to bond the second member toleather directly.

[0024] Up to now, a bonding method in the prior art 2 has been used tobond the second member such as crystal glass for ornament or the like toleather.

[0025] Hereinafter, the bonding method of prior art 2 will be described.

[0026] The prior art 2 embodies a method for bonding a small-sizedcrystal glass 11 (the same one as in the second member) to a leather 201(the same one as in the first member) with the hot-melt adhesive 12.

[0027] The leather 201 has a waterproof layer 202 which is formed on asurface of a leather 203 as a base.

[0028]FIG. 4(a) shows a first step of the boding method in the prior art2. A slide 41 and a bed 42 are male and female trimming dies,respectively. Both parts constitute a press device (The slide 41 appliespress in the direction of an arrow 43). In FIG. 4(a), the slide 41 andthe bed 42 make a hole in the leather 201 at the position where thecrystal glass 11 is attached. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(b), a hole44 is formed in the leather 201 at the attachment position of thecrystal glass 11.

[0029] Next, the operation goes to a step shown in FIG. 4(c).

[0030] The crystal glass 11 is affixed at a predetermined position (inaccordance with design) on the adhesive side of adhesive sheet 110 towhich an adhesive is applied. A top surface of the crystal glass 11 isfixed to the adhesive sheet 110. The adhesive sheet 110 is used forlocating the crystal glass 11 in place during manufacturing phase(bonding phase).

[0031] In FIG. 4(c), a cloth 46 is placed on a table 14. The cloth 46has a cloth 48 as a base on which a hot-melt adhesive 47 is applied.

[0032] The leather 201 (FIG. 4(b)) with the hole is placed on the cloth.The crystal glass 11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet 110) is inserted inthe hole 44 formed in the leather 201. The hotmelt adhesive 12 isapplied to the bottom surface of the crystal glass 11.

[0033] As the step of FIG.4(c) is carried out at normal temperatures,the hot-melt adhesives 47 and 12 keep hardened.

[0034] Next, the operation goes to a step shown in FIG. 4(d). At thestep of FIG. 4(d), in a chamber 33 having internal heating temperatureof 180° C., the cloth 46 and the leather 201 spread evenly on a bed 32,and the crystal glass 11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet 110) are pressedto each other by a press device (including a slide 31 and the bed 32)for 15 to 45 seconds (heating step). At the heating step, the pressapplied to the cloth 46, the leather 201 and the crystal glass 11 by theslide 31 is 2 kgf/cm² (34 is the pressing direction).

[0035] The melting point of the hot-melt adhesive 12 and 47 used in thisprior art is 130° C.

[0036] At the heating step, the hot-melt adhesive 12 heated up to 180°C. melts between the crystal glass 11 and the cloth 48. Similarly, thehot-melt adhesive 47 heated up to 180° C. melts between the cloth 48 andthe leather 201.

[0037] Next, the operation goes to a step shown in FIG. 4(e). At thestep of FIG. 4(e), the crystal glass 11, the cloth 48 and the leather201 which sandwich the melted hot-melt adhesives 12 and 47,respectively, therebetween are spread on a table 35 so as to be cooleddown by themselves at normal temperatures (cooling step).

[0038] As a result, the hot-melt adhesive 12 becomes hardened, therebyfixing the crystal glass 11 to the cloth 48. Similarly, the hot-meltadhesive 47 becomes hardened, thereby fixing the cloth 48 11 to theleather 201 (a waterproof layer is not formed on the back surface of theleather 201).

[0039] According to the above-mentioned bonding method, the crystalglass 11 is fixed to the leather 201 via the cloth 48.

[0040] After hardening the hot-melt adhesives 12 and 47, the adhesivesheet 110 is removed.

[0041] The method in the prior arts 1 and 2 has a problem that cannotachieve sufficient high peel resistance.

[0042] According to the method in prior arts 1 and 2, the cloth ispressed in high temperature atmosphere (180° C.) for a long time (15 to45 seconds) so that the melted hot-melt adhesive penetrates deep intofibers of the cloth thereby obtaining a high peel resistance (FIG. 3(b)and FIG. 4(d)). However, when time for the application of press exceeds10 seconds, a trace of a press die (slide 31) appears.

[0043] The method in the prior arts 1 and 2 has a problem of givingdamage on appearance of the bonded cloth or leather.

[0044] The method in the prior arts 1 and 2 has a problem of shrinkingthe cloth or leather in high temperature atmosphere.

[0045] The method in the prior arts 1 and 2 has a problem of requiringlong time for bonding due to a long pressing time (15 to 45 seconds).

[0046] The method in the prior art 2 has a problem that only the portionof the leather 201 to which the cloth 48 is affixed loses flexibility.

[0047] An object of the present invention is to provide a method forbonding a second member with a fixed shape (e.g. crystal glass) to afirst member with a flexible and flat configuration (e.g. cloth,leather) with a hot-melt adhesive in a short process so as to have ahigh peel resistance and a beautiful appearance, a bonding apparatus anda composition bonded thereby.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0048] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the presentinvention has the following aspects.

[0049] A bonding method according to an aspect of the present inventioncomprises the steps of

[0050] placing a second member with a fixed shape on a first member witha flexible and flat configuration with a hot-melt adhesive beingsandwiched therebetween,

[0051] heating at least the above-mentioned second member up to thetemperature equal to or greater than the melting point of theabove-mentioned hot-melt adhesive, and

[0052] cooling the above-mentioned first member and the above-mentionedsecond member while pressing the above-mentioned second member so as tocontact the above-mentioned first member closely.

[0053] A bonding apparatus according to another aspect of the presentinvention comprises:

[0054] a heating section for heating at least a second member up to atemperature equal to or greater than a melting point of a hot-meltadhesive, while the above-mentioned second member with a fixed shape isplaced on a first member with a flexible and flat configuration with theabove-mentioned hot-melt adhesive being sandwiched therebetween and

[0055] a cooling section for cooling the above-mentioned first memberand the above-mentioned second member while pressing the above-mentionedsecond member so as to contact the above-mentioned first member closely.

[0056] A composition according to still another aspect of the presentinvention comprises a first member with a flexible and flatconfiguration, and a second member with a fixed shape which is bondedwith a hot-melt adhesive on said second member wherein

[0057] a portion of the above-mentioned first member contacting theabove-mentioned second member becomes hardened in a compressed state.

[0058] The conventional bonding methods required an extended time periodfor heating step for making the hot-melt adhesive penetrates deep intofibers of the first member in order to obtain more than certain level ofadhesive strength. Such extended time heating, however, has deterioratedthe quality of the first member (The first member bears a trace ofpress. Further, as the hot-melt adhesive spread widely, a portion of thefirst member which surrounds the second member (e.g. crystal glass forornament) would change in quality. Furthermore, It took a long time tobond.

[0059] According to the present invention, as the hot-melt adhesivebecomes hardened in a pressed state at the cooling step (or coolingdevice), a sufficient adhesive strength is achieved, and time period forthe heating step can be shortened.

[0060] The present invention has an advantage of achieving a method forbonding the second member with a fixed shape (e.g. crystal glass) to thefirst member with a flexible and flat configuration (e.g. cloth,leather, and the like) with a hot-melt adhesive in a short process so asto have a high peel resistance and a beautiful appearance (withoutshrinkage of cloth or trace of press), a bonding apparatus and a bondedcomposition.

[0061] In the conventional bonding method, a tip of the hot-meltadhesive which penetrates into fibers of the cloth became minuteneedle-shaped. Accordingly, when users put on clothes made of thiscloth, the tip of the hot-melt adhesive is stuck into their body throughthe back surface of the cloth, causing discomfort.

[0062] In the method according to the aspect of the present invention,as the hot-melt adhesive becomes hardened in a pressed state, thesurface of the hardened hot-melt adhesive is flat and smooth (The reasonis that the surface of the bed of the press device is flat-shaped). Whenusers put on clothes made of this cloth, they feel no discomfort evenwhen the surface of the hot-melt adhesive touch their skin as thesurface of the hot-melt adhesive is smooth.

[0063] “First member with a flexible and flat configuration” includes aflexible member that becomes flat at least in the vicinity of theposition on which a second member is mounted when placed on a flatsurface (e.g. cloth, leather, clothes (As a whole, it is flexible andthree-dimensional shape. By placing it on a flat surface, the portion towhich the second member is attached and its vicinity can be madeflat-shaped.) and the like), and a flexible member which is attached tothe surface of a member with a fixed shape (shape of this member isoptional and may not be flat.) and is flat at least in the vicinity ofthe attachment position of the second member (e.g. a wooden box, flatsurface of which is covered with leather).

[0064] “Flat shape” means a shape having a two dimensional (flat) areagreater than thickness.

[0065] “Second member with a fixed shape” means a member having afixed-shape which is not easy to be transmuted such as crystal glass.

[0066] “Hot-melt adhesive” is a generic term referring to adhesive thatgoes into a liquid state having fluidity due by heating and returns intoa solid state by cooling.

[0067] “Sandwich a hot-melt adhesive therebetween” means that thehot-melt adhesive is placed between the first member and the secondmember.

[0068] At the placing step, the method for “sandwiching the hot-meltadhesive” is optional.

[0069] For example, at first the hot-melt adhesive is thinly pasted onthe second member with a fixed shape. Then, the second member is placedon the first member so that the pasted adhesive is located between thefirst member and the second member (This is referred to as the firstmethod).

[0070] For example, at first the hot-melt adhesive (e.g. minute filmadhesive) is placed at the predetermined position on the first member(the position on which the second member is placed) or is thinly pastedon the first member. Next, the second member is placed at thepredetermined position on the first member ( the position where thehot-melt adhesive is placed or pasted) (This is referred to as thesecond method).

[0071] In the case that the first member is an extendable member (e.g.cloth, leather and the like), the first method is preferable since inthe second method, it is difficult to match exactly the hot-meltadhesive applying position to the second member placement position.

[0072] In a bonding method according to a further aspect of theinvention, the heating temperature is preferably 200° C. or less andheating time is 10 seconds or less at the above-mentioned heating step.

[0073] In a bonding apparatus according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the heating temperature is preferably 200° C. or less andheating time is 10 seconds or less at the above-mentioned heatingsection.

[0074] The above-mentioned species has an effect of achieving a bondingmethod and a bonding apparatus for melting the hot-melt adhesive withoutcausing damage to the first member (e.g. cloth or leather).

[0075] Preferably, heating temperature is higher than meltingtemperature of the hot-melt adhesive by 20 to 50° C. and heating time is5 seconds or less. In the method according to a still further aspect ofthe invention, heating time is set at 1 second or less. This ensuresmelting of the hot-melt adhesive and prevents the first member fromchanging in quality due to heat.

[0076] In a bonding method according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the above-mentioned first member and the above-mentionedsecond member may be pressed to each other so as to contact each otherclosely, and the above-mentioned second member is heated through a pressdevice contacting the above-mentioned second member at theabove-mentioned heating step.

[0077] In a bonding method according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the above-mentioned first member and second member may bepressed to each other so as to contact each other closely, and theabove-mentioned second member is heated by suffering ultrasonicvibration through the press device contacting the above-mentioned secondmember at the above-mentioned heating step.

[0078] In a bonding method according to a still further aspect of theinvention, part of a portion of the above-mentioned first membercontacting the above-mentioned second member is transmuted or removed atleast partially due to heat at the above-mentioned heating step.

[0079] In a bonding apparatus according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the above-mentioned heating section presses theabove-mentioned first member and the above-mentioned second member toeach other so as to contact each other closely and heats theabove-mentioned second member through a press device in contacttherewith.

[0080] In a bonding apparatus according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the above-mentioned heating section is a ultrasonic pressdevice which presses the above-mentioned first member and theabove-mentioned second member to each other so as to contact each otherclosely and heats the above-mentioned second member by applyingultrasonic vibration to the above-mentioned second member through apress device in contact therewith.

[0081] In the above-mentioned species, the second member is heatedthrough the press device while the first member and the second memberare pressed to each other. As the second member is firmer and generallytaller than the first member, the slide of the press device contactsonly the second member and heats the second member intensively.

[0082] In a bonding apparatus according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the press device contacts the second member and theultrasonic vibration press device supplies only the second member withenergy (heats).

[0083] Therefore, the second member, and the portion of the hot-meltadhesive and the first member directly contacting the second member areheated rapidly, and other portion of the first member is hardly heated.

[0084] The bonding method and the bonding apparatus of theabove-mentioned species are further superior because the first membersuffers no degradation due to heat at the time of melting the hot-meltadhesive.

[0085] Leather used as material for clothes, handbag, shoes, and thelike is provided with a waterproof layer on its surface in order toobtain waterproofing property. The waterproof layer is thin and weak intensile strength.

[0086] In the conventional bonding method and bonding apparatus, it wasvery difficult to bond the second member with a fixed shape such ascrystal glass to the member having a waterproof layer of low tensilestrength (e.g. leather).

[0087] In the bonding method and the bonding apparatus of theabove-mentioned species, by heating the second member strongly (byapplying strong ultrasonic vibration to the second member for a shorttime), the temperature of the portion directly contacting the secondmember increases rapidly. The hot-melt adhesive contacting the secondmember melts and at the same time, the waterproof layer of the firstmember directly contacting the second member is transmuted or removed.

[0088] After removal of the waterproof layer, the hot-melt adhesivebecomes hardened at the cooling step (or the cooling device), resultingin that the second member is bonded directly to the first member havinga strong tensile strength (e.g. leather as base).

[0089] As only the portion of the waterproof layer directly contactingthe second member (the portion immediately underneath the second member)is transmuted or removed, the transmuted or removed portion is invisiblefrom outside. Thus the first member to which the second member isattached has a beautiful appearance.

[0090] When the transmuted or removed portion of the first member spreadover the periphery of the second member, the first member decreases instrength.

[0091] Especially in the case that the first member and the secondmember are materials for articles of taste such as clothes, bag, shoesand the like, when the transmuted or removed portion of the first memberspread over the periphery of the second member, the first member and thesecond member become unusable as material for commercial products.

[0092] Therefore, it is very important to restrict the transmuted orremoved portion of the first member to the portion just under the secondmember which is invisible from outside after bonding.

[0093] As to a phenomenon that the layer of low tensile strength istransmuted or removed by the application of heat with ultrasonicvibration, the specific content of the phenomenon is optional. Forexample, part of the waterproof layer melts and evaporates.Alternatively, the waterproof layer melts and the melted part is pulledby surface tension toward the unmelted part on periphery thereof so thatthe portion of waterproof layer directly contacting the second memberdisappears. Alternatively, part of the waterproof layer burns to becomecarbonized or disappear.

[0094] “Ultrasonic press device” is, for example, a device wherein awelding tip of an ultrasonic welder is replaced by the slide.

[0095] Applicable object of the present invention is optional in theextent that the second member with a fixed shape is bonded to the firstmember with a flexible and flat configuration with the hot-meltadhesive. For example, the first member is a member with a flexible andflat configuration on which an optional layer is formed.

[0096] In a bonding method according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the above-mentioned heating step is carried out so as to makea portion of the above-mentioned first member contacting theabove-mentioned second member after bonding be thinner than theabove-mentioned first member before bonding and not to have athrough-hole.

[0097] A composition according to a still further aspect of theinvention comprises a first member with a flexible and flatconfiguration, and a second member with a fixed shape which is bondedwith a hot-melt adhesive on said second member wherein

[0098] a portion of the above-mentioned first member contacting theabove-mentioned second member is thinner than other portion ofabove-mentioned first member in thickness and does not have athrough-hole.

[0099] In a composition according to a still further aspect of theinvention, a part of a portion of the above-mentioned first membercontacting the above-mentioned second member is transmuted or removed atleast partially in the direction of thickness of the above-mentionedfirst member due to heat.

[0100] In the bonding method in the prior art 2, a through-hole is madein the leather and the crystal glass inserted into the through-hole isfixed to a cloth attached to the back surface of the leather. However,the portion of the leather that the cloth is attached on its backsurface is inferior to other portion of the leather in flexibility. Thisreduces the value of such articles using leather with backing cloth(e.g. clothes).

[0101] Moreover, the method in prior art 2 has a lot of processes.

[0102] In the bonding method and the composition according to the aspectof the invention, the waterproof layer and the like on the leather areremoved by heating, and after removal of the waterproof layer and thelike, the second member such as crystal glass is bonded directly to theleather. As the leather requires no backing cloth, the portion of theleather to which the crystal glass is bonded has same flexibility asother portion of the leather. The composition manufactured by thebonding method of the present invention and the composition of thepresent invention have a high commercial value.

[0103] The bonding method (or the composition) according to the aspectof the invention can carry out bonding with a small number of processes.

[0104] When the entire first member becomes transmuted in the directionof thickness due to heat, peel resistance of the member decreases. Inthe aspect of the present invention, a part of the first member becomestransmuted in the direction of thickness due to heat, the waterprooflayer is removed and the portion necessary for supporting the secondmember remains so that the first member has a strong peel resistance.

[0105] In a bonding method according to a still further aspect of theinvention, heating is performed at an output power of preferably 800 to2000 W for 3 seconds or less at the above-mentioned heating step.

[0106] In a bonding apparatus according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the above-mentioned heating section heats at an output powerof preferably 800 to 2000 W for 3 seconds or less.

[0107] The bonding method and the bonding apparatus of theabove-mentioned species remove the surface layer of the first member andmelt the hot-melt adhesive at an appropriate temperature and for anappropriate time period. After removal of the surface layer, the secondmember such as crystal glass is bonded directly to the first member.

[0108] In a bonding method according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the above-mentioned cooling step is carried out within 2seconds after completing the above-mentioned heating step.

[0109] A bonding apparatus according to a still further aspect of theinvention further comprises a transferring section for transferring theabove-mentioned first member and the above-mentioned second member fromthe above-mentioned heating section to the above-mentioned coolingsection within 2 seconds.

[0110] At the heating step (or the heating section) of the bonding ofthe above-mentioned species, only the second member and peripherythereof are heated and other portion is not heated. Therefore, aftercompletion of the heating step, the hot-melt adhesive is rapidly cooleddown by itself. If the hot-melt adhesive should start hardening beforebeing cooled under press, this weakens the present invention's effect ofbonding with a strong adhesive strength. The above-mentioned speciesachieves the effect of bonding with a strong adhesive strength.

[0111] Preferably, the cooling step is carried out within1 second aftercompletion of the heating step. More preferably, the heating stepproceeds to the cooling step within about 0.5 second or less.

[0112] In a bonding method according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the above-mentioned first member is made of cloth, leather,resin or paper, and the above-mentioned second member is made of glass,stone, pottery, porcelain, metal or resin.

[0113] In a composition according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the above-mentioned first member is made of cloth, leather,resin or paper, and the above-mentioned second member is made of glass,stone, pottery, porcelain, metal or resin.

[0114] The present invention has an advantage of achieving the bondingmethod for bonding various types of first members to various types ofsecond members and the bonded composition. As a example, the bodingmethod for bonding the second member (e.g. crystal glass) for ornamentto clothes, furniture and interior equipments of vehicles and thelike(comprising the first member) can be achieved.

[0115] “Cloth” includes natural fabric and artificial fabric. “Cloth”includes articles knitted with woolen yarn (knitted articles and thelike). “Leather” includes natural leather and artificial leather. Thepresent invention is suitable, for example, for bonding the secondmember for ornament to cloth, leather or the like for clothes, bag, hat,gloves, shoes or the like; cloth, leather or the like for furniture suchas sofa, bed, table or the like; cloth, leather or the like for seats ofvehicle such as car, airplane, train or the like.

[0116] “Stone” includes crystal, precious stone and the like.

[0117] In a bonding method according to a still further aspect of theinvention, a third member with a flat shape and appropriate hardness andflexibility is sandwiched between at least one of surfaces of theabove-mentioned first member as well as the above-mentioned secondmember contacting the above-mentioned press device and theabove-mentioned press device, and pressed at least at either of theabove-mentioned heating step or the above-mentioned cooling step.

[0118] In a bonding apparatus according to a still further aspect of theinvention, a third member with a flat shape and appropriate hardness andflexibility is sandwiched between the above-mentioned first member aswell as the above-mentioned second member and at least one of surfacesof the above-mentioned heating section or the above-mentioned coolingsection contacting the above-mentioned first member or theabove-mentioned second member, and pressed.

[0119] In a bonding method according to a still further aspect of theinvention, the above-mentioned third member is Teflon (trademark) glasssheet.

[0120] By pressing the third member (preferably Teflon (trademark) glasssheet) mounted on the first member and the second member, the thirdmember carries out the following three functions (The first member andthe second member are optional).

[0121] The Teflon (trademark) glass sheet is a glass-cloth coated byTeflon (trademark. It means polytetrafluoroethylene. Fluorine-containedpolymers) at high temperatures

[0122] First, the Teflon (trademark) glass sheet prevents the firstmember and the second member from being damaged due to contact with themetallic slide of the press device.

[0123] Secondly, even in the case that a plurality of second membersattached to the first member vary in height, the flat-shaped Teflon(trademark) glass sheet which has suitable hardness (not too soft) andbends suitably can apply sufficient press to a short second member aswell as a tall one. Various sizes of the second members may be attachedto the first member, in accordance with design. Provided that heightdifferences among plural types of the second members fall within acertain range, the use of the third member makes it possible to bondplural types of the second members having different heights to the firstleather in one bonding process.

[0124] Thirdly, the third member also serves as fixing the second memberat the placed position while the first member and the second member aretransferred or pressed

[0125] By pressing the third member (preferably Teflon (trademark) glasssheet) placed under the first member, the third member carries out thefollowing two functions (The first member and the second member areoptional).

[0126] First, the third member prevents the first member from beingdamaged due to contact with the metallic bed of the press device.

[0127] Secondly, by transferring the first member and the second memberwhich are mounted on the third member, transfer of the flexible firstmember is facilitated.

[0128] The novel features of the invention are set forth withparticularity in the appended claims. The invention as to both structureand content, and other objects and features thereof will best beunderstood from the detailed description when considered in connectionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0129]FIG. 1 shows a bonding apparatus and a bonding method in anembodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0130]FIG. 2 shows a bonding apparatus and a bonding method in anembodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0131]FIG. 3 shows a bonding method in a prior art 1;

[0132]FIG. 4 shows a bonding method in a prior art 2.

[0133] Part or all of the drawings are drawn schematically fordiagrammatic representation and it should be considered that they do notnecessarily reflect real relative size and position of components showntherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0134] Embodiments embodying best modes to practice the presentinvention will be now described by reference to the appended drawings.

[0135] <<Embodiment 1>>

[0136]FIG. 1 shows a bonding apparatus and a bonding method of anembodiment 1 according to the present invention wherein a second memberis bonded to a cloth as a first member with a hot-melt adhesive.

[0137] The embodiment 1 is described hereinafter.

[0138] The embodiment 1 shows a method for bonding a small-sized crystalglass 11 (the same one as in the second member) to a cloth 13 (the sameone as in the first member) with a hot-melt adhesive 12.

[0139] The type of the hot-melt adhesive is optional. The hot-meltadhesive used in the embodiment 1 is an adhesive of high-densitypolyethylene and its melting point is 130° C.

[0140] The bonding apparatus of the embodiment 1 comprises tables 14,16, a chamber 15 and a press device (including a slide 17 and a bed 19).

[0141]FIG. 1(a) shows a first step of the bonding method in theembodiment 1.

[0142] In FIG. 1(a), the crystal glass 11 is affixed at a predeterminedposition (in accordance with design) on the adhesive side of an adhesivesheet 110 to which the adhesive is applied. A top surface of the crystalglass 11 is fixed to the adhesive sheet 110. The adhesive sheet 110 isused for locating the crystal glass 11 in place during manufacturingphase (bonding phase).

[0143]FIG. 1(a), the cloth 13 is spread evenly on the table 14 and thecrystal glass 11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet 110) with the hot-meltadhesive 12 pasted on its bottom is placed on a predetermined position(in accordance with design) (placing step). At the placing step carriedout at normal temperature, the hot-melt adhesive 12 is in a solid state.

[0144] Next, the operation goes to a step shown in FIG. 1(b). At thestep of FIG. 1(b), the cloth 13 spread evenly on a table 16 and thecrystal glass 11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet 110) are placed in thechamber 15 having internal heating temperature of 150 to 180° C. for 2to 5 seconds (heating step).

[0145] At the heating step of FIG. 1(b), the hot-melt adhesive 12 heatedto 150 to 180° C. melts between the crystal glass 11 and the cloth 13.

[0146] Next, the operation goes to a step shown in FIG. 1(c). In FIG.1(c), the crystal glass 11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet 110) and thecloth 13 which sandwich the melted hot-melt adhesives 12 therebetweenare cooled down at normal temperatures while being pressed to each otherby the press device (including the slide 17 and the bed 19) (coolingstep). The press applied to the cloth 13 and the crystal glass 11 by theslide 17 is 5 kgf/cm² (18 is pressing direction).

[0147] Thus the hot-melt adhesive 12 becomes hardened, thereby fixingthe crystal glass 11 to the cloth 13.

[0148] After the hardening of the hot-melt adhesive, the adhesive sheet110 is removed.

[0149] It is desirable to effect a rapid transition from the heatingstep of FIG. 1(b) to the cooling step of FIG. 1(c) (before starting thehardening of the hot-melt adhesive).

[0150] In the conventional bonding method, the crystal glass 11 and thecloth 13 were pressed to each other at the step of melting the hot-meltadhesive and not pressed during cooling.

[0151] By heating under press, the hot-melt adhesive was penetrated deepinto fibers of the cloth (FIG. 3(b)) and was left untouched until ithardened (FIG. 3(c)).

[0152] In the conventional bonding method, the hot-melt adhesive 12spreaded widely and hardened twinning in loosely-woven sparse fibers ofthe cloth 13 at the portion of the cloth 13 contacting the crystal glass11.

[0153] Inventor of the present invention found that by cooling thecrystal glass 11 and the cloth 13 under press, they can be bonded witheach other so as to have a higher peel resistance than prior art.

[0154] By the application of press at the cooling step, the thickness ofthe cloth 13 directly underneath the crystal glass 11 become thinner. Inthe state where fibers of the portion of cloth 13 contacting the crystalglass 11 are compressed, the hot-melt adhesive 12 twines in the fibersand becomes hardened.

[0155] As the hot-melt adhesive 12 twines in the high-density fibers ofthe cloth 13 in a compressed state and solidifies, it has a higheradhesive strength than that of the prior arts.

[0156] For example, according to the bonding method in the embodiment 1,a crystal glass can be bonded to articles knitted with woolen yarn(so-called knitted article). In the case of the conventional bondingmethod, it was very difficult to bond a crystal glass to knitted articleconsisting of very low-density fibers. According to the bonding methodof the embodiment 1, as the hot-melt adhesive twines in the high-densityfibers of the woolen yarn in a compressed state and becomes hardened,the crystal glass is bonded to the woolen yarn with a sufficientadhesive strength.

[0157] In this embodiment, as the hot-melt adhesive 12 needs not topenetrate into a large area of the cloth 13, time period for the heatingstep can be shortened. The time period when the cloth 13 is placed in ahigh temperature atmosphere (2 to 5 seconds) is much shorter than 10seconds (i.e. threshold value beyond which the cloth 13 bears a tracewhen the cloth 13 is placed in a high temperature atmosphere), therebypreventing the cloth 13 from being damaged.

[0158] The hot-melt adhesive 12 does not spread outside of the portionof the cloth 13 directly contacting the crystal glass 11. Therefore, thecrystal glass 11 and the cloth 13 after bonding have no trace visiblefrom outside, giving a beautiful appearance.

[0159] In the heating step (FIG. 3(b), FIG. 4(d) of the prior arts andFIG. 1(b) of the embodiment 1), the cloth 13 has shrunk a little and hasbeen transmuted. In the conventional bonding method, the shrinkage anddeformation of the cloth 13 occurring at the heating step were notrestored.

[0160] In the present invention, however, the cloth 13 which has shrunkdue to heat is extended restoring the former shape and fixed at theposition. In this state, the next cooling step is carried out (it iscooled under press). This allows the cloth 13 to return to the originalshape and size.

[0161] The time period (2 to 5 seconds) for the heating step of thebonding apparatus and the bonding method according to the presentinvention is shorter than that of the bonding method in the prior art(15 to 45 seconds).

[0162] The time period for the cooling step of the bonding apparatus andthe bonding method according to the present invention (Cooling isperformed under press by the slide 17 having a large heat capacity and ahigh heat conductivity at normal temperatures) is shorter than that forthe cooling step in the prior art (Cooling is performed automatically byitself in the atmosphere).

[0163] Therefore, the time period for bonding in the bonding apparatusand the bonding method according to the present invention is muchshorter than that of the prior art.

[0164] In the extent that the second member with a fixed shape is bondedto the first member with a flexible and flat configuration with thehot-melt adhesive, the material of the first member and the secondmember is optional. For example, the first member is made of cloth,resin or paper, and the second member is made of glass, stone (crystal,precious stone, and the like), pottery, porcelain, metal or resin.

[0165] The size of the second member is optional, for example, a sizesmaller than 10 mm cube, more typically smaller than 5 mm cube.

[0166] <<Embodiment 2>>

[0167] An embodiment 2 features a method for bonding a small-sizedcrystal glass 11 (the same one as in the second member) to a leather 201(the same one as in the first member) with a hot-melt adhesive 12.

[0168]FIG. 2 shows a bonding apparatus and a bonding method in theembodiment 2.

[0169] Leather to be used as material, for example, for clothes,handbag, shoes and the like is provided with a waterproof layer on itssurface so as to have waterproofing property. The waterproof layer isthin and weak in tensile strength.

[0170] Even if the small-sized crystal glass as the second member isfixed to the waterproof layer with the hot-melt adhesive (melting pointof 130° C.), the waterproof layer bonded to the second member is easilypeeled off therefrom with even a small impact to the second member.

[0171] In the present invention, by use of the following bonding method,the second member with a fixed shape (e.g. crystal glass) is fixed tothe first member on which a layer of weak peel resistance is formed(e.g. leather).

[0172] Detailed steps of the embodiment 2 will be explained hereinafter.

[0173]FIG. 2(a) shows a first step of the bonding method in theembodiment 2.

[0174] In FIG. 2(a), the crystal glass 11 is provisionally affixed at apredetermined position (in accordance with design) on the adhesive sideof an adhesive sheet 110 to which an adhesive is applied. A top surfaceof the crystal glass 11 is provisionally stuck to the adhesive sheet110. The adhesive sheet 110 is used for locating the crystal glass 11 inplace during manufacturing process (bonding process).

[0175] In FIG. 2(a), a Teflon (trademark) glass sheet 206 (the same oneas in a third member with a flat shape and a certain degree of hardnessand flexibility) is placed on a table 204. The leather 201 is spreadevenly on the Teflon (trademark) glass sheet 206 and the crystal glass11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet 110) with the hot-melt adhesive 12pasted on its bottom is placed on a predetermined position (inaccordance with design) (placing step). At the placing step carried outat normal temperatures, the hot-melt adhesive 12 (melting point of 130°C.) is in a solid state.

[0176] A Teflon (trademark) glass sheet 205 is placed on the Teflon(trademark) glass sheet 206, the leather 201 and the crystal glass 11.

[0177] The leather 201 has a leather 203 as a base on which a waterprooflayer is formed.

[0178] The leather 201 may be natural leather or artificial leather.Natural leather may be any of leather of pig, bull, snake, horse, sheepor other animals. The leather 201 has the leather 203 as a base on whicha thin waterproof layer 202 (vinyl layer in this embodiment) is formed.

[0179] In the embodiment 2, the Teflon (trademark) glass sheets 205 and206 are 0.5 mm in thickness. Although the thickness of the Teflon(trademark) glass sheet may be any value equal to or greater than 0.1mm, it should be considered that thicker sheet provides betterdurability. Further, the Teflon (trademark) glass sheet should haveappropriate flexibility so as to apply press on a plurality of smallsecond members equally. There is a possibility that too much thick sheetlacks appropriate flexibility.

[0180] In the case that plural types of crystal glasses having differentheights are bonded to the leather at the same time, it is necessary toselect a Teflon (trademark) glass sheet of optimum thickness so as toapply press of a certain amount and above on all crystal glasses.

[0181] The Teflon (trademark) glass sheet 205 carries out threefunctions as follows (The first member and the second member areoptional).

[0182] First, in the application of press at the steps of FIGS. 2(b) and(c) as described later, the Teflon (trademark) glass sheet 205 preventsthe leather 201 or the crystal glass 11 from being damaged due tocontact with the metallic slide.

[0183] Secondly, even in the case that a plurality of crystal glassesattached to the leather 201 vary in height, in the application of pressat the steps of FIGS. 2(b) and (c), the flat-shaped Teflon (trademark)glass sheet 205 which has appropriate hardness (not too soft) and bendssuitably can apply sufficient press to a short crystal glass as well asa tall one. Depending on design, various sizes of crystal glasses may beattached to the leather. Provided that height differences among pluraltypes of crystal glasses fall within a certain range, the use of theTeflon (trademark) glass sheet 205 makes it possible to bond pluraltypes of crystal glasses having different heights to the leather in onebonding process.

[0184] Additionally, in the case that there is a substantial differencein size (especially height) of a plurality of crystal glasses 11attached to the leather, the process of attaching a short crystal glassto the leather and the process of attaching a tall crystal glass to theleather are made separate processes. After carrying out the process ofattaching a short crystal glass to the leather, the process of attachinga tall crystal glass to the leather is performed, so that all of thecrystal glasses can be attached to the leather.

[0185] Thirdly, the Teflon (trademark) glass sheet 205 also serves asfixing the crystal glass 11 at the placed position while the Teflon(trademark) glass sheet 206, the leather 201 and the crystal glass 11are transferred or pressed.

[0186] The Teflon (trademark) glass sheet 206 carries out two functionsas follows (The first member and the second member are optional).

[0187] First, the Teflon (trademark) glass sheet 206 prevents theleather 201 from being damaged due to contact with the metallic bed.

[0188] Secondly, by mounting the leather 201 and the crystal glass 11 onthe Teflon (trademark) glass sheet 206 during transfer betweenprocesses, the flexible leather 201 can be easily transferred.

[0189] In place of the Teflon (trademark) glass sheet, the third memberhaving a flat shape and an appropriate hardness and flexibility can beused. The Teflon (trademark) glass sheet having an appropriate hardnessand flexibility, excellent heat resistance and durability is suitablefor the above-mentioned application.

[0190] Next to FIG. 2(a), the operation goes to a heating step of FIG.2(b).

[0191] In FIG. 2(b), a press device comprises a bed 210 and a slide 211,and presses the Teflon (trademark) glass sheets 205 and 206, the crystalglass 11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet 110), the hot-melt adhesive 12and the leather 201 to each other in the direction of 212.

[0192] A transducer 208 is supplied with power through a lead wire 9 inorder to apply ultrasonic vibration. Vibration of the transducer 208 istransmitted to the slide 211 through a solid horn 207.

[0193] The slide 211 vibrates the crystal glass 11 through the Teflon(trademark) glass sheet 205 in the direction of 213. Pressure given bythe slide 211 is of an amount large enough to transmit ultrasonicvibration to the crystal glass 11.

[0194] An ultrasonic vibrator in the embodiment 2 is an apparatuswherein a welding tip of an ultrasonic welder is replaced by the slide.The specifications of this ultrasonic vibrator are: input voltage of200V, input current of 15A, output electric power of 1200 W andvibration frequency of 19.15 kHz.

[0195] The crystal glass 11 is heated rapidly with ultrasonic vibration.At that time, as the leather 201 does not contact the slide 211 (or evenif the leather 201 contacts the slide 211, it does not receive pressowing to its flexibility and no vibration is transmitted thereto), it isnot heated directly.

[0196] In the embodiment 2, heating time is 1 second. Optimum heatingtime is determined depending on thickness of the leather, type of thestone and the like.

[0197] By heating the crystal glass 11, the hot-melt adhesive 12 meltsand the waterproof layer 202 of the leather directly contacting thecrystal glass 11 is heated and removed. Since heating energy occurringat the transducer 208 focuses on the crystal glass 11 contacting theslide 211, only the waterproof layer of the leather 201 under thecrystal glass 11 is heated and removed. Other part of the leather 201 isnot heated, causing no deformation or deterioration.

[0198] Energy supplied to the crystal glass 11 is set to be strongenough to remove the waterproof layer of the leather immediatelyunderneath the crystal glass 11 and not to make a through-hole in theleather.

[0199] In this way, on completion of the bonding process, the crystalglass 11 is directly bonded to the leather 203 as a base.

[0200] Preferably, at the portion immediately underneath the crystalglass 11, the waterproof layer is removed and necessary portion forsupporting the leather in the direction of thickness remains without anydeterioration (e.g. carbonization).

[0201] Therefore, the leather to which the crystal glass is bonded has ahigh peel resistance.

[0202] Next, the operation goes to a cooling step as shown in FIG. 2(c).In FIG. 2(c), the Teflon (trademark) glass sheets 205 and 206, theleather 201 and the crystal glass 11 (affixed to the adhesive sheet 110)which spread evenly on a bed 214 are cooled down while being pressed toeach other by a press device (including a slide 215 and the bed 214) for1 to 2 seconds at normal temperatures. The press applied to the crystalglass 11 and the leather 201 by the slide 215 is 5 kgf/cm² (216 ispressing direction).

[0203] As the metallic slide 215 has a large heat capacity and a highthermal conductivity, the hot-melt adhesive 12 becomes hardened rapidlyand the crystal glass 11 is fixed to the leather 201.

[0204] After the hardening of the hot-melt adhesive 12, the adhesivesheet 110 is removed.

[0205] At the heating step of FIG. 2(b), only the crystal glass 11 andthe portion of the leather 201 directly contacting the crystal glass 11are heated (in other words, the leather 201 as a whole is not heated)and therefore, at normal temperatures, the temperature of the hot-meltadhesive decreases rapidly. In the present invention, it is essential tosolidify the hot-melt adhesive in a pressed state, and bonding strengthbecomes weak if cooling starts before press.

[0206] In order to ensure sufficient bonding strength, the operationshifts from the heating step of FIG. 2(b) to the cooling step of FIG.2(c) should be within 2 seconds, preferably within 1 second. In thisembodiment, transitional time period is about 0.5 second.

[0207] At the cooling step of FIG. 2(c), due to application of press,fibers of the leather 201 are compressed rendering high density. Thehot-melt adhesive 12 twines in the compressed fibers and becomeshardened. As the hot-melt adhesive 12 twines in the compressed fibers ofhigh density of the leather 203 as a base and becomes hardened, it hasstronger bonding strength than that of the prior art.

[0208] Rapidly cooled hot-melt adhesive 12 solidifies soon immediatelyunderneath the crystal glass 11 and does not spread over the peripheryof the crystal glass 11 (right and left sides of the crystal glass 11 inFIG. 2(c)). When the hot-melt adhesive 12 spreads over the periphery ofthe crystal glass 11, the leather 201 absorbs the hot-melt adhesive 12,thereby degenerating and hardening. The degenerate leather on theperiphery of the crystal glass becomes worse in appearance and itscommercial value decreases. On the other hand, according to the bondingmethod in the embodiment 2, as the hot-melt adhesive focuses on the partdirectly underneath the crystal glass 11, the bonded leather has abeautiful appearance and high commercial value.

[0209] The hot-melt adhesive 12 penetrates into fibers of the leather201 in a compressed state and becomes hardened. Therefore, the leather201 maintains the compressed state even after completing the bondingmethod in the embodiment 2. For this reason, the crystal glass 11 isembedded suitably in the leather 201, so that a finished article isexcellent in appearance.

[0210] The bonding apparatus and the bonding method in the embodiment 2are applicable to an optional first member such as cloth. Furthermore,it is possible to bond the second member directly to leather, which wasconventionally difficult.

[0211] In the embodiments, the crystal glass is fixed by the adhesivesheet during manufacturing phase, and however, the crystal glass can belocated in other ways.

[0212] The present invention has an advantage of achieving the methodfor bonding the second member with a fixed shape to the first memberwith a flexible and flat configuration with the hot-melt adhesive in ashort process so as to have a high peel resistance and a beautifulappearance (without shrinkage of cloth or trace of press), the bondingapparatus and the bonded composition.

[0213] In the bonding method and the bonding apparatus of the presentinvention, at the time of melting the hot-melt adhesive, substantiallyonly a predetermined portion of the first member is heated. The presentinvention has an advantage of achieving the bonding method and thebonding apparatus which prevent the first member from deteriorating dueto heat.

[0214] The present invention has an advantage of achieving the bondingmethod for directly bonding the second member to leather having a lowtensile strength in its surface, the bonding apparatus and the bondedcomposition.

[0215] The present invention has an advantage of achieving the bondingmethod for bonding various types of first members to various types ofsecond members and the bonded composition.

[0216] The present invention has an advantage of achieving the bondingmethod for bonding effectively the second member to the first memberwithout causing damage to the first member and the second member by useof the third member (preferably Teflon (trademark) glass sheet).

[0217] Although the invention has been described in some detail dealingwith the preferred embodiments, the configuration details of any of thepreferred embodiments disclosed herein may be changed or modified, andany changes in the combination or order of elements thereof can beaccomplished without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims.

1. A bonding method comprising the steps of placing a second member witha fixed shape on a first member with a flexible and flat configurationwith a hot-melt adhesive being sandwiched therebetween, heating at leastsaid second member up to a temperature equal to or greater than amelting point of said hot-melt adhesive, and cooling said first memberand said second member while pressing said second member so as tocontact said first member closely.
 2. A bonding method as stated inclaim 1 wherein a heating temperature is 200° C. or less and a heatingtime is 10 seconds or less at said heating step.
 3. A bonding method asstated in claim 1 wherein said first member and said second member arepressed to each other so as to contact each other closely and saidsecond member is heated through a press device in contact therewith atsaid heating step.
 4. A bonding method as stated in claim 3 wherein saidfirst member and said second member are pressed to each other so as tocontact each other closely and said second member is heated through apress device by suffering ultrasonic vibration at said heating step. 5.A bonding method as stated in claim 3 or 4 wherein part of a portion ofsaid first member contacting said second member is transmuted or removedat least partially due to heat at said heating step.
 6. A bonding methodas stated in claim 3 wherein said heating step is carried out so as tomake a portion of said first member contacting said second member afterbonding be thinner than said first member before bonding and not to havea through-hole.
 7. A bonding method as stated in claim 3 or 4 whereinheating is performed at an output power of 800 to 2000 W for 3 secondsor less at said heating step.
 8. A bonding method as stated in claim 3or 4 wherein said cooling step is carried out within 2 seconds aftercompleting said heating step.
 9. A bonding method as stated in claim 1wherein said first member is made of cloth, leather, resin or paper, andsaid second member is made of glass, stone, pottery, porcelain, metal orresin.
 10. A bonding method as stated in claim 1 wherein a third memberwith a flat shape and a certain degree of hardness and flexibility issandwiched between at least one of surfaces of said first member as wellas said second member contacting said press device and said pressdevice, and pressed at least at either of said heating step or saidcooling step.
 11. A bonding method as stated in claim 10 wherein saidthird member is Teflon (trademark) glass sheet.
 12. A bonding apparatuscomprising: a heating section for heating at least a second member up toa temperature equal to or greater than a melting point of a hot-meltadhesive, while said second member with a fixed shape is placed on afirst member with a flexible and flat configuration with said hot-meltadhesive being sandwiched therebetween and a cooling section for coolingsaid first member and said second member while pressing said secondmember so as to contact said first member closely.
 13. A bondingapparatus as stated in claim 12 wherein heating temperature is 200° C.or less and heating time is 10 seconds or less at said heating section.14. A bonding apparatus as stated in claim 12 wherein said heatingsection presses said first member and said second member to each otherso as to contact each other closely and heats said second member througha press device in contact therewith.
 15. A bonding apparatus as statedin claim 14 wherein said heating section is a ultrasonic press devicewhich presses said first member and said second member to each other soas to contact each other closely and heats said second member byapplying ultrasonic vibration to said second member through a pressdevice in contact therewith.
 16. A bonding apparatus as stated in claim14 or 15 wherein said heating section heats at an output power of 800 to2000 W for 3 seconds or less.
 17. A bonding apparatus as stated in claim14 or 15 further comprises a transferring section for transferring saidfirst member and said second member from said heating section to saidcooling section within 2 seconds.
 18. A bonding apparatus as stated inclaim 12 wherein a third member with a flat shape and a certain degreeof hardness and flexibility is sandwiched between said first member aswell as said second member and at least one of surfaces of said heatingsection or said cooling section contacting said first member or saidsecond member, and pressed.
 19. A bonding apparatus as stated in claim18 wherein said third member is Teflon (trademark) glass sheet.
 20. Acomposition comprising a first member with a flexible and flatconfiguration, and a second member with a fixed shape which is bondedwith a hot-melt adhesive on said second member wherein a portion of saidfirst member contacting said second member is thinner than other portionof said first member in thickness and does not have a through-hole. 21.A composition as stated in claim 20 wherein a part of a portion of saidfirst member contacting said second member is transmuted or removed atleast partially in the direction of thickness of said first member dueto heat.
 22. A composition as stated in claim 20 wherein said firstmember is made of cloth, leather, resin or paper and said second memberis made of glass, stone, pottery, porcelain, metal or resin.
 23. Acomposition comprising a first member with a flexible and flatconfiguration, and a second member with a fixed shape which is bondedwith a hot-melt adhesive on said second member wherein a portion of saidfirst member contacting said second member becomes hardened in acompressed state.